John Urbis

John Lee Urbis, age 75, of Robstown, formerly of West, passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at Corpus Christi Medical Center-Bay Area Hospital from injuries received in an automobile accident. A rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel in Corpus Christi. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Robstown, with Rev. Tom Showalter as celebrant. The family will receive visitors from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Graveside services will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Cemetery, with Rev. B. George officiating. Mr. Urbis was born in the Czech community of West on July 14, 1932, the son of Joe J. and Marie Urbis. After graduating from West High School, Mr. Urbis studied at the University of Houston where he served as president of his fraternity and graduated with a degree in business and economics. John met and married Josephine Opella on May 23, 1959 in West. From 1955 until his retirement in 1982, Mr. Urbis owned and operated Robstown Gin Company. He was also a real estate broker and was co-owner of Urbis Real Estate where he sold real estate in Robstown and the surrounding communities. John was active with the Texas Cotton Ginners Association, served as a Director of the Robstown Chamber of Commerce, and was active in his church and community. Having played football during his high school years, Mr. Urbis remained an avid football fan his entire life and his greatest love was his family. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Robstown. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harry Urbis. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Josephine Urbis of Robstown; sons, John Mark Urbis and his wife Jane of Southlake, and Michael Urbis and his wife Laura of Brownsville; his grandchildren, Carolyn Marie, Scott Michael, Audrey Christine, Jacqueline Marie and Jessica Michelle; his brother, Joe F. Urbis and wife Evelyn of Robstown; a sister-in-law, Rosalee Urbis of West; his brothers-in-law, Ray Opella and his wife Margaret of El Paso and Ilan Opella of Ft. Worth; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Scott Urbis, David Urbis, Gene Helpert, George Reyes, Bennie Roeder and Leo Vrana. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.